Quinhagak inmate recaptured after New Year’s Eve escape

A Quinhagak man escaped from the local jail on the final day of 2017, Alaska State Troopers said, but he was back behind bars hours later.

Michael Matthew, 23, was originally taken into custody Saturday for violating his conditions of release in another crime by not being near a court-approved third-party custodian, Alaska State Troopers said. The following day he escaped from the jail in the Kuskokwim Bay community just over 70 miles southwest of Bethel, then stole an all-terrain vehicle and drove away.

“Approximately 15 minutes later Michael was located walking in the village and attempted to run away from tribal police,” troopers wrote. “During the subsequent physical apprehension, Michael placed a tribal police officer in fear of imminent physical injury. Pepper spray was used.”

Matthew was held at the jail on charges of second-degree vehicle theft, third-degree escape, fourth-degree assault and fifth-degree criminal mischief.